Anmeldung (City Address Registration)
Register your address at the local Bürgeramt. You need this to get a tax ID, open most bank accounts, and set up health insurance.
Configure your citizenship, housing, and job status to get a prioritized timeline.
If your landlord or sublessor refuses to give you a signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, they are probably subletting illegally. Without this document you cannot register your address, leaving you without a tax ID or bank account. Also, pay attention to the religion question on the form: writing Catholic or Protestant will trigger an automatic 8% to 9% church tax on your salary.
STEP-BY-STEP ACTION PROTOCOL (5 STEPS)
- 1
Get the signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung directly from your landlord or main tenant.
- 2
Book an appointment at any Bürgeramt in your city as early as possible.
- 3
Bring your passport, rental contract, and the signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
- 4
On the form, write 'keine Religion' or '-' under religion unless you actively want to pay church tax.
- 5
Keep the stamped Meldebestätigung paper safe. You will need it for almost every other setup step.
OFFICIAL PORTALS & LEGAL REFERENCES
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 14-day statutory rule for Anmeldung in Germany?[FAQ]
Under § 17 Bundesmeldegesetz (BMG), residents must register their new address at the Bürgeramt within 14 calendar days of move-in date.
Can I complete Anmeldung without a landlord certificate?[FAQ]
No. Under § 19 BMG, the Bürgeramt requires a completed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung signed by the landlord or main tenant. A tenancy agreement alone is legally insufficient.